Is Antoine Brooks Jr. the answer to the Steelers DB depth issues?

Welcome to the Steelers Trifecta! Over the 30 days leading up to the Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 training camp, we will be highlighting three players every day in order cover the entire 90-man offseason roster. So without further ado, here are today’s three players:

Jordan Berry

Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

Position: Punter
Age: 30
Year: 7
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 195
Drafted: UDFA 2015
College: Eastern Kentucky
Roster Outlook: Extremely Doubtful
Analysis:

After trying to rid themselves of Jordan Berry in 2020 by signing Dustin Colquitt, it appears the Steelers have found the guy to push the Australian punter off the roster. The Steelers spent their final 2021 draft pick on one of the best punting prospects since Daniel Sepulveda, and it likely means the end of the Jordan Berry punting era. He will get some chance to win the job, but collapsing year after year when the weather turns cold was likely the final nail in Berry’s NFL coffin.

Chris Boswell

Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

Position: Kicker
Age: 30
Year: 7
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 185
Drafted: UDFA 2014 (Houston Texans)
College: Rice
Roster Outlook: Lock
Analysis:

In the most simple of terms, Chris Boswell is the only kicker under contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s also one of the highest paid kickers in the sport, and has rebounded nicely after a putrid 2018 campaign and is once again one of the top players at his position. I anticipate Boswell will be knocking through game winning kicks again in 2021. The only way he isn't the guy is if he completely fell off a cliff or were to get injured. This is one position you can already pencil in for Week 1.

Antoine Brooks Jr.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Safety
Age: 23
Year: 2
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 223
Drafted: 2020, Round 6, Pick 198
College: Maryland
Roster Outlook: Likely
Analysis:

By all reports, Antoine Brooks was a stand out at both OTA’s and Steelers minicamp. Some reporters even speculated if he will be the guy to replace Mike Hilton in the slot. His willingness to get his nose dirty and lay hits on people have been apparent and a trait which will endear him to the Steelers coaching staff. Even if he is not the Steelers slot corner, he is almost certainly the primary backup at strong safety and will be called upon to play a big role in special teams. Brooks Jr. will be asked to take a step in 2021 and early tests have shown he is up to the task.

Be sure to check back everyday for anther ‘trifecta’ of Steelers, and as we go along click back on previous articles listed below so you don’t miss a thing.